Apocalyptic threats are so numerous that sometimes even thinking about how the Earth could be destroyed is astonishing. A meteor impact? Global warming? Technology spiraling out of control? Fortunately, the human mind is just as skilled at imagining ways to prevent catastrophes as it is at envisioning them.
Some of these solutions may seem fantastic or even naïve at first glance—almost as if a lazy fifth-grader had presented them as a science fair project. But their unconventional nature does not mean they are ineffective. On the contrary, some of them have already evolved into real scientific initiatives.
1. NASA proposes cooling the Yellowstone supervolcano with water
The greatest danger to tourists in Yellowstone National Park is not bears. The real threat lies beneath the park: a supervolcano that could cause a global catastrophe if it were to erupt.
NASA’s proposed plan is simple yet radical—artificially cooling the lower layers of the supervolcano. Scientists estimate that the volcano generates as much heat as six large industrial power plants. The concept involves drilling deep wells around the volcano, injecting water, and releasing heat in the form of steam. Although this process could take thousands of years, it may help keep the volcano stable.
The project’s cost is estimated at approximately $3.46 billion. NASA suggests offsetting the expense through geothermal energy production, meaning the project could both reduce risk and create a source of inexpensive energy.
2. Fighting climate change underground
Climate change is one of the most real and unavoidable threats facing humanity. Since individual responsibility alone is insufficient to reduce carbon emissions, scientists propose trapping carbon dioxide underground.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is already in use. This method captures carbon dioxide at industrial sources and injects it into underground geological formations. A more advanced approach involves converting carbon dioxide directly into stone.
In experiments conducted in Iceland, carbon dioxide was injected into basalt rock and mineralized into stone within a short period of time. As a result, 95% of the carbon was securely locked away. This technology is already paving the way for the development of power plants with negative emissions.
3. Defeating diseases before they begin
Global epidemics are among the most dangerous disasters of the modern world. Ebola, Zika, MERS, and other viruses have placed millions of lives at risk.
To counter this threat, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) was established in 2017. Its primary goal is to develop vaccines in advance for potential pandemics. The organization is actively conducting research on Lassa, Nipah, MERS-CoV, Ebola, and Zika viruses.
The objective is simple: to be prepared before an outbreak begins.
4. Floating towers that clean the oceans
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch causes the deaths of hundreds of thousands of marine animals every year. To address this problem, young inventor Boyan Slat developed floating waste-collection systems.
These systems use ocean currents to direct plastic waste toward central platforms. The goal is to remove half of the plastic waste from the oceans within a few years. Despite criticism, the project is continuously improving and is considered promising.
5. A planetary shield against solar storms
Powerful electromagnetic storms from the Sun can disable modern technology in an instant. The Carrington Event of 1859 proved that this threat is real.
Scientists propose creating an electromagnetic shield to protect Earth. Very low-frequency (VLF) radio waves can remain trapped in the atmosphere and provide a protective effect. A more ambitious plan involves building a massive magnetic deflector approximately 205,000 miles from Earth.
Although this project could cost hundreds of billions of dollars, it is considered far less expensive than a global technological collapse.
Conclusion
Although some of these ideas may sound fantastical, all of them are grounded in real scientific principles. The apocalypse may not be inevitable. Perhaps all we need to stop it is a bit of courage, a great deal of science, and the right decisions.